Celebrating the life of
Gertrude Shepherd Krafft Hoffman
August 29, 1913 - August 18, 2009
Gertrude Shepherd Krafft "Trudy" Hoffman, 95, of Savannah, GA died at home on Tuesday, August 18, 2009.
She was born August 29, 1913 in Annapolis, MD. She was the daughter of Herman Frederick Krafft and Mary Wyse Benson "May" Krafft. She grew up in Annapolis, MD and was the child of a prominent naval family. Her father was a distinguished naval historian and the first curator of the Naval Academy Museum. Her maternal grandfather was William Shepherd Benson, the first Chief of Naval Operations. Admiral Benson successfully led the newly organized U.S. Navy through the events of World War I and was an advisor to President Woodrow Wilson at the Treaty of Versailles.
As a young woman, she moved to Honolulu, Hawaii where she survived the bombing of Pearl Harbor. In the spring of 1942 on a blind date, she met a handsome young naval officer named William Rhyne Hoffman. They were reunited after the war and were married on October 19, 1944. The couple moved to Savannah in 1955 and retired to Hilton Head Island in 1974.
She was preceded in death by a son, William Rhyne Hoffman, Jr. and her late husband of 56 years, William Rhyne Hoffman.
She is survived by two daughters, Alison Shepherd Hoffman of Savannah, GA; and Mary Wyse "May" Hoffman formerly Inglis of Beaufort, SC. She was affectionately known as "Gigi" by her ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Visitation: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, August 20, 2009 at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.
Mass of Christian Burial: 11:30 a.m., Friday, August 21, 2009 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 24 Pope Ave., Hilton Head Island with The Reverend Tim Tebalt, Celebrant.
Burial: Six Oaks Memorial Park, Sea Pines Plantation, Hilton Head Island followed by a reception in the Holy Family Catholic Church Parish Hall.
Remembrances: Alzheimer's Association of Savannah, 201 Television Cir., Savannah, GA 31046, Spanish Oaks Hospice, 8510 Whitfield Ave., Savannah, GA 31406, St. Peter's Catholic Church Building Fund, 70 Lady's Island Dr., Beaufort, SC 29907.
Please sign our on-line guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com
Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel, Savannah
We first met Trudy and Bill Hoffman when we moved to Hilton Head in 1987. We played bridge with them and enjoyed many informal suppers. Trudy was a fascinating friend and we missed her when she moved to be with family in Savannah. She will be welcomed into Heaven.
- Nancy and Arthur Ward, Hilton Head, SC
Bill and Trudy were dear friends for over 50 years in Savannah and SC Bless Her. Maxine
- Maxine Ludden, beaufort sc, GA
I will miss Gigi very much. I treasure the time we have had together- the many things she has taught me, the love and care she showed for me, and her gentle spirit. I am glad she will be with those who she loved forever. My prayer is for her family to know the peace of God and walk with him always.
- Amy Dickson, Savannah, GA
We first met Trudy and Bill Hoffman when we moved to Hilton Head in 1987. We played bridge with them and enjoyed many informal suppers. Trudy was a fascinating friend and we missed her when she moved to be with family in Savannah. She will be welcomed into Heaven.
- Nancy and Arthur Ward, Hilton Head, SC
Bill and Trudy were dear friends for over 50 years in Savannah and SC Bless Her. Maxine
- Maxine Ludden, beaufort sc, GA
I will miss Gigi very much. I treasure the time we have had together- the many things she has taught me, the love and care she showed for me, and her gentle spirit. I am glad she will be with those who she loved forever. My prayer is for her family to know the peace of God and walk with him always.
- Amy Dickson, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
